Category "Birthday"

“If I Could, I Would …” Wishful Thinking Gift

Princess Diana - June 21, 2016 - $20 or Less, Birthday, Christmas

WARNING: This present should not be given by itself.

My husband and I are huge fans of the TV show Game of Thrones. We have two young kids so watching the show together after the kids are in bed is our precious “us time.”

I like to joke that I’m like Daenerys Targaryen. She’s the Mother of Dragons. Well, I’m the Mother of Dragen. My oldest son was born in 2012, the Year of the Dragon, so I named him Aiden Dragen Jaeger.

For my husband’s birthday this year, I wanted to give him some things related to Game of Thrones. I finally decided on a t-shirt that features Hodor’s only quote.

“HODOR”
– Hodor

I purchased the Game of Thrones theme song and secretly added it as the sound he hears when his alarm goes off in the morning. I wanted him to begin every day in an epic way.

I also paired my gifts with an “If I Could, I Would…” Wishful Thinking Gift, something you would give if you had all the money in the world.

High Caliber Entertainment at Gun Range

Queen Darlene - June 16, 2016 - Anniversary, Birthday, Business, Experiences, Father's Day, Gifts for Him, Mother's Day, Retirement

Ever celebrated a birthday or retirement at a gun range? My girlfriends and I did both! One had a birthday, and the other two were retiring!

Our friendship has spanned for 40+ years and we have celebrated many life events with various experiences, but I must say going to the gun range was a first! What an exciting thrill!

I hired an instructor for a private lesson to train us about safety, how to hold a gun,and how to aim and shoot. There’s a proper technique as you can imagine, and knowing it made us feel more comfortable handling a gun.

A gun range date night or group package is a unique gift idea for a beginner, intermediate or advanced shooter.

I highly recommend it for a different kind of experience for a date night, a celebration, or just bonding time with friends and family.

A Gift for Mimi, Nana or Gigi | Grandmother Gift

Princess Diana - June 9, 2016 - $20 or Less, Birthday, Christmas, Mother's Day

A lot of grandmothers want to be called something other than “Grandma.”

Sometimes she picks the nickname herself, and other times the first grandchild comes up with the name.

Whether it’s Mimi, Nana, Gigi or another name, the nickname or term of endearment a grandchild calls his or her grandmother is extremely special.

Her nickname is music to her ears.

My son calls his grandmother “Mimi.” While on vacation, we picked her up a gift – a cute wooden sign that reads, “They call me Mimi because I’m too cool to be Grandma.”

It’s the first thing she owns with her nickname “Mimi,” and she proudly displays the sign in her living room.

You can find similar signs on Etsy.com, and many stores on the website will gladly make custom signs with your choice of saying, colors and font.

Like grandmothers, many grandfathers have nicknames too so this gift idea can be used for them as well. For example, my son calls his grandfather “Pappy” and his great-grandfather “Papaw.”

What happens at Grandma’s stays at Grandma’s…

Zero Gravity Patio Lounge Chair for Dad

Queen Darlene - June 7, 2016 - Birthday, Father's Day

We have patio furniture but when my husband said he’d like to include a lounge chair that reclines, I immediately filed it away for a Father’s Day gift.

The older we get the more we enjoy sitting and relaxing on our patio. It’s so wonderfully peaceful.

During my search, I found several lounge chairs to choose from and finally decided on a reasonably priced Caravan Sports Infinity Zero Gravity Chair.

This lightweight reclining lounge chair features a sturdy frame and requires no assembly. I was impressed it folds down to 6.3 inches wide for storage. That’s slim!

It reclines smoothly and has both an adjustable headrest and lumbar support. The fabric (described as long-lasting outdoor grade fabric) looks and feels like the more expensive patio furniture I’ve seen.

Let Them Eat Cake Pops

Queen Darlene - May 26, 2016 - Anniversary, Baby Shower, Birthday, Business, Christmas, Congratulations, Father's Day, Graduation, Housewarming, Kids, Mother's Day, Retirement, Teacher Gifts

In our family, cake has always been the go-to dessert for celebrations, either homemade or bakery bought. But now I’ve discovered a new fun dessert – Cake Pops!

Cake Pops are a one-bite-size cake balls on a stick. They are soooo creatively cute and perfect for birthdays, graduations, holidays, baby and bridal showers, Mother’s Day, retirements and more.

I brought Cake Pops to a birthday and retirement party and they were a big hit with everyone! Lays’ best-known slogan “Betcha Can’t Eat Just One” is certainly true for cake balls!

You can order Cake Pops in different flavors and have them decorated in pretty much any colors, shapes and themes to make beautiful edible gifts!

Cake Pops Gift Ideas:

Flowers – Mom
Favorite Sports Team Colors – Gift for Him
Apples – Teachers
Rattles, Babies – Baby Showers
Graduation Hat – Graduate
Super Heroes, Elmo, Ninja Turtle, Mickey Mouse – Kids
Snowman, Reindeer – Christmas Party, Business Gifts
Bunnies – Easter
Mummies – Halloween

Thoughtful Gifts for Walkers & Runners

Princess Diana - May 24, 2016 - Birthday, Christmas, Gifts for Me

Besides quality walking or running shoes, there are some items that walkers and runners should have.

The right pair of socks is very important for both comfort and to prevent blisters. Then they need the right clothing to wick away sweat and to prevent chafing.

After that, accessories, such as ear buds, headbands, sunglasses, water bottles, hydration belts and fitness trackers, can make walking and running a more enjoyable experience.

There is one accessory that is not yet common, but should be because it saves lives. They’re small and lightweight, and they do an excellent job of making walkers and runners highly visible to motorists to avoid potentially deadly accidents.

I’m talking about LED Safety Lights designed for runners and walkers to wear.

Bluapple Keeps Produce Fresher 3X Longer

Queen Darlene - May 13, 2016 - $20 or Less, Birthday, Christmas, Gifts for Me, Housewarming

Wish I could have saved all the money wasted on throwing out my fruits and vegetables that went bad before I could eat them. I’m sure you know exactly what I’m talking about.

Bluapple is here to “save the day” or should I say “weeks” of extending the life of your produce.

This amazing product absorbs ethylene gas that causes produce to over ripen.

I remember hearing something about ethylene gas in my high school science class. I probably thought it was something I would never need to know. Was I wrong!

The Bluapple is easy peasy to use. Just place the golf ball size Blueapple in your Crisper to keep your fruits and vegetables fresher three times longer!

Invite Mom to Afternoon Tea

Princess Diana - May 3, 2016 - Birthday, Christmas, Experiences, Food & Drinks, Mother's Day

More than anything, mothers love to spend quality time with their children.

So when thinking of gifts for her birthday, Mother’s Day or Christmas, a memorable bonding experience for the two of you to do together will always make her happy.

Consider inviting your mother for an Afternoon Tea Experience at a nice hotel, tea room or tea restaurant.

Can you hear it? The sound of a dainty china cup clicking against its saucer.

Can you feel it? The mood of stylish elegance and luxury.

Treat your mother to a lovely and charming afternoon tea with tea trays and service. (At some places, they even have tea butlers!) You and your mother can enjoy sipping tea from delicate teacups while sitting in a room filled with beautiful ambience.

Together, share in meaningful conversation while dining on delicious scones, freshly made sandwiches, and petite pastries!

Customizable Room Wall Decals

Queen Darlene - April 28, 2016 - $20 or Less, Anniversary, Birthday, Christmas, Kids

I love seeing beautiful quotes written on walls that inspire fun, laughter, warmth or a simple Ahhh feeling.

At first, I thought they were professionally painted but learned they are removable wall decals.

Wall decals (also called wall stickers) are a quick way to enhance a room whether it’s in someone’s home or office.

Peel and stick wall decals will adhere to any clean, smooth surface including mirrors, doors and cabinetry. They’re easy peasy to apply, look hand-painted, and leave no mess.

Even more amazing is the wall lettering will not damage walls or leave residue and can be easily removed.

I selected several wall decals at a craft store and gave them as gifts. There are so many designs and varieties you can find one to match every personality, interest or occasion.

If you can’t find what you want, you can always order custom wall decals through websites like Etsy.com. There may be a quote or saying that is unique to your friendship or family. Continue Reading

Glamour Shots Fairy Tale Portraits

Queen Darlene - April 21, 2016 - Birthday, Christmas, Experiences, Kids

Growing up my brothers and I played dressed up. Don’t tell the world but many times they would allow me to dress them up as the sisters I never had!

We loved playing dress up and make believe.

One of my favorite memories was when I played a princess and my brothers were warriors defending my kingdom, protecting me with their swords and riding through the pretend forest on their stick horses.

Sadly, I do not have a single photo of that memory.

What to my surprise, Glamour Shots offers Fairy Tale Portraits! Kids from ages one to 12 dress up in flowing fairy dresses and woodland warrior costumes. Continue Reading